About This Event

Embracing Uncertainty: Polyvocality in Public History History is not a singular story, but an ongoing negotiation between multiple voices, perspectives, and ways of knowing. This talk argues that embracing uncertainty is not a weakness but a necessary condition for more inclusive and ethically grounded public history practice. Drawing on the theoretical framework developed in her Navigating Polyvocality in a Postcolonial Cultural Landscape: The Banda Islands (Routledge, 2026) and using case studies from the postcolonial cultural landscape of the Banda Islands, Indonesia, and participatory public history projects in Luxembourg, Dr van Donkersgoed explores how sharing authority and recognizing diverse forms of knowledge can challenge dominant historical narratives without abandoning critical scholarship and demonstrates how polyvocal approaches create space for the coexistence of conflicting perspectives and a plurality of heritages. Joëlla van Donkersgoed is a public historian specializing in cultural heritage, polyvocality, and participatory approaches to history and heritage. She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Heritage and Preservation Studies from Rutgers University (2020) and Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Public Archaeology and Archaeological Heritage Management from Leiden University (2012/2014). Her research and public engagement focus on centering local communities and creating spaces where diverse voices can participate in the production and interpretation of history. She is the founder of the Historesch Gesinn platform, which promotes accessible and participatory historical research in Luxembourg. Her latest book, Navigating Polyvocality in a Postcolonial Cultural Landscape: The Banda Islands (Routledge, 2026), explores polyvocal approaches to cultural heritage in postcolonial contexts. Refreshments, drinks and snacks will be provided . We look forward to seeing you there! For those who wish to be on our mailing list, please fill out this (short) form: https://forms.gle/M97CC6izCs3hkBAs7 (https://forms.gle/M97CC6izCs3hkBAs7) To request online access, please email phanley03@qub.ac.uk; for any other questions, please email cbrockbank01@qub.ac.uk

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